I'm Jelly Jealous!

Why don't they have these here in MNL?

Gosh! I'm a fan of both Reese's and Peanut Butter and Jelly. So, this Reese's PB&J is a dream come true!

Someone please bring this here! Stat!

Wicked Performance

Literally and figuratively.

This medley of songs from "Wizard of Oz" and "Wicked" brought back so many feels.

"Home," originally sung by Diana Ross is one of my faves and most replayed songs.  "Unlimited" is one of the anchor songs of the musical, and was beautifully done here.

If they also sang "For Good," this would have been out-of-this-world!

Just my luck

We've long been talkin about trying this Chinese restaurant called "Best of Luck" in Cubao Expo.

Today, we finally did!

And "luck" is an apt word because I'm lucky enough to share this experience with these wonderful people.

We call ourselves the "Matira ang Matibay" gang. Context: we've long been planning a get-together, things were finally set, and when the date was near, they started disappearing one by one. Except for the 4 of us. Thus, the name.

The situation reminds me of that saying that the best people in your life are the people who always show up. 

And I'm lucky to have this group who always shows up.

FMM: Jean-ealogy

It's an OPM day this Friday!

Our Friday Magic Madness song is from the iconic APO Hiking Society, and it's also denim related:

"Blue Jeans" is a 1982  hit, and, if memory serves me right, was the theme song of a film with the same title. It starred Alfie Anido, who was one of Ate Lissa's ultimate crushes.

This song is so upbeat and fun, it's sure to chase the blues away.

Denim & White: Pearl-fect!

The fact that this is the 5th post in a row that features denim & white is testament of how versatile the concept is.

And here's today's fashion entry.

The top is from Zara, and what's interesting about it is the fact that it has a built-in pearl necklace. Yes, it's attached to the dress by a metal chain and clasps. And because there are clasps, you can actually remove it. (Especially if you'll wash it in a washing machine.)

To make the outfit even classier, we have dark denim jeans and ballet flats.

Perfect!

Denim & White: Belated Bangkok

Thanks to this series on denim and white tops, I'm reminded of this fabulous BKK find that hasn't been posted yet.

So, here's today's Denim & White outfit.

The top is from Pratunam, and it's a white polo with a graphic print of 2 paws holding a flower. The cool thing about this is the fact that the flower is 3D! It can be removed, too.

Because the top is already so ornate and eye-catching, the classic dark denim jeans sets it off perfectly.

Better late than never!

Denim & White: Go wide

Sometimes, a simple detail can elevate a classic. 

For example, wide-legged jeans with an exaggerated cuff.

This is actually a semi-D.I.Y. pair. The jeans are from the Patty Ang x Bench collaboration from 2019. Found it in one of the Bench sale racks recently, and snagged it without any second thoughts.

The original pair was designed to be very long. That detail is what made me decide to have it cuffed. Actually, cuffed jeans are making a comeback in the fashion world.

After our modista did her magic, the jeans looked so different from its original look. The contrasting colour of the cuff gave it the oomph it needed.

Of course, the shirt had to have a detail, too. Thankfully, Memo had this white shirt with an oversized silhouette and a ruched front. 

And to cap the outfit off, the red ballerinas from Stradivarius.

This is so chic in so many levels.

Denim & White: The Lady

There's something about a boat-neck top that make it so lady-like.

Maybe it's because that style has been a signature of Audrey Hepburn for the longest time. And as we all know, she's the epitome of being a lady.

So, we take that lady-like, boat neck white top and put together this ensemble.

The top is from Penshoppe and the long, slim denim skirt is from Memo. Together, the ensemble screams quiet elegance.

Audrey Hepburn would look awesome in this ensemble.

Denim & White: Dressed up

One of the most classic fashion combos is denim and white. 

If you look at Gap, they've built their fashion empire on a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. 

Global fashion brands - from Zara to H&M to COS to Uniqlo - have their own iteration of this fashion stable.

So do I.

But instead of the usual combo, let's dress it up a bit.

The cropped denim jacket is so cool! The fabric has a nice colour and weight. It has a unique shape. Plus interesting details like the cuff and collar. It was a find at Pink Manila. While the dress from The SM Store is a cotton spaghetti-strapped dress with a bubble hem.

It's fun to dress up denim.

Yeah, Bois!

The gourmand in me is thrilled to have discovered this scent.

Bois 1920 is an Italian Perfume house known for their unique take on traditional fragrances. And Frammenti is one of them.

It has the right blend of sweetness and earthy tones. It's the caramel that really stands out gives this scent a sweet punch.

This is going to be a good break from the usual skin scents in my rotation.

Memorable

This Sesame Street sketch pops in my head during grocery runs.

It's probably 40 years old by now, and the visuals are very telling of the decade it was done. But the story itself - remember things - is so timeless. And the way it was executed is both intelligent and child friendly.

Now, it's time to go to the grocery to get a loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butter!

FMM: Siempre!

Hoy fue un dia emocionante para mi!

Despues de lo que paracieron anos, 3 de los miembros de la Mafia Mexicana estan juntos!

Yup, Beng, Ginger and I finally had our long overdue reunion! And as expected, it was a wonderful walk down the paved lanes of Mexico.

Although this isn't a Mexican song, it's a Spanish song, so it's close enough.

So, for today's Friday Magic Madness song, here's Los Manolos!

"Amigos para siempre" is such an apt song for us. So, this 1992 hit from this Spanish group is perfect.

Hopefuly, Beth will be with us the next time we get together.

Que alegria verlos amigos mios!

Kate has a point

I'm super hyped to see Kate Hudson back on Netflix.

And she's doing a comedy, which is so up her alley.

"Running Point" will be in my "to-binge-watch-list" now.

A little bit of Sunshine

Today's snack brought me straight back to my grade school years.

Sunshine Green Peas still taste as good now as it did then.

Take a Bao

This new 7-11 product is da bomb!

It's a pillow soft bao with a flavourful Lap Cheong niside.

Right now, it's just a limited edition menu. But hopefully, they'll take it and make it a regular product.

I'm Empressed

It started with a youtube video suggestion.

They showed some excerpts from a Chinese drama entitled "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace."

One video turned to two, and three, and four, and more. Yes, it became a fodder for binge-watching!

The historical drama features the life of Empress Ruyi. I'm not really familiar with her or her character, but this drama piqued my interested.

The actual series had 87 episodes, but youtube only had bits and pieces of different episodes. Despite that, the story was clear, and the ending was heartfelt.

Hope they'll carry this on Netflix soon.

He's the Guy

It's still one of my favourite stories from High School.

Our English teacher was talking about one of his favourite playwrights. He wrote the name on the board and confidently said that no one would be able to pronounce it. The name was:

Guy de Maupassant

Casually, I raised my hand and said:

Gee du Muppasan

Yup, I knew how to pronounce the name of this guy.

Because he didn't know that we had a small library in our Tomas Morato house. We had an encyclopedia. One of them had an article dedicated to this French author who was best known for his short stories. Became curious about him. Asked my Lola Dita about him. And she was the one who taught me how to pronounce his name.

And that's how a random interest made me sound more knowledgeable.

I-1-der

It's always a joy whenever block mates get together.

Can't believe it's been 3 decades since 34 diverse kids got together and formed Block I-1 in UP CMC.

Despite our differences, the block gelled together and was a close-knit group. Of course, there were sub-groups within the block - like the Assumption Girls, the Rizal group, the out-of-towners, etc., but overall, everyone just got along.

Tonight, we had a micro-get-together with 4 of us block mates in attendance.

It was so good to see Dyra again after almost 20 years. And it's always a joy to see Prichy and Wowie.

We've always talked about planning a huge Block reunion.

Makes me wonder if that'll happen soon.

FMM: Dr. Hook-ed

How is it possible that Dr. Hook has not yet made an appearance as a Friday?

Let's correct that.

Today's FMM song is from the wonderfully romantic and laid back voice of Dr. Hook.

"Sharing the night together" is one of his iconic songs.

One, but not the only one. 

He has a lot more songs that have hit the charts and enjoyed massive air play in the 70s.

But let's start with this.

Because this song alone has got me hooked.

I know this much as True

No, this isn't a Spandau Ballet post.

It's about a clothing discovery made way back in December.

While scurrying around for last minute Christmas gifts, found a brand of clothing called "True Clothing."

Design wise, they're like Pink Manila. Their clothes are elevated basics made with easy yet classy fabrics. Just like this top rendered in this year's Pantone color.

The neckline gives it a fashion moment, that's why it looks great with a classic denim jean.

I'm going to buy more from this brand from hereon in.

And that's true.